2021 FORD F-450 traction control

For 4WD vehicles
Pull the 4WD control knob toward you.
For 2WD vehicles
Turn the control to ON.
Once the indicator light
illuminates in the information
display, both rear wheel axle
shafts will be locked together providing
added traction.
If the indicator does not come on, or the
indicator turns off while driving, one of the
following has occurred:
• The vehicle speed is too high.
• The left and right rear wheel speed
difference is too high during an
engagement attempt. •
The system has malfunctioned and is
accompanied by a message in the
information display. See your
authorized Ford dealer for assistance.
• The vehicle is experiencing an anti-lock
brake activation.
Operating ELD With a Spare or
Mismatched Tires
On vehicles with an ELD, the size of the
spare tire can affect performance of the
system. If there is a significant difference
between the two rear tires, you may have
limited ELD functionality. If the electronic
locking differential has difficulty
disengaging, release the accelerator pedal
and turn the steering wheel in the opposite
direction when rolling. We recommend
engaging and disengaging the ELD at a
stop when you mount a spare on the rear
axle.
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Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202008, Third-Printing- Rear AxleE227398 E183740 E163170

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
The traction control system helps avoid
drive wheel spin and loss of traction.
If your vehicle begins to slide, the system
applies the brakes to individual wheels
and, when needed, reduces engine power
at the same time. If the wheels spin when
accelerating on slippery or loose surfaces,
the system reduces engine power in order
to increase traction.
USING TRACTION CONTROL
WARNING: The stability and
traction control light illuminates steadily
if the system detects a failure. Make sure
you did not manually disable the traction
control system using the information
display controls or the switch. If the
stability control and traction control light
is still illuminating steadily, have the
system serviced by an authorized dealer
immediately. Operating your vehicle with
the traction control disabled could lead
to an increased risk of loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover, personal injury
and death.
The system automatically turns on each
time you switch the ignition on.
If your vehicle is stuck in mud or snow,
switching traction control off may be
beneficial as this allows the wheels to spin.
Note: When you switch traction control off,
stability control remains fully active.
Note: For additional information on the
traction and stability control systems. See
Using Stability Control
(page 229). Switching the System Off
When you switch the system off or on, a
message appears in the information
display showing system status.
Use the traction and stability control
switch on the instrument panel to switch
the system off or on.
The switch illuminates when traction
control is off.
When you place your vehicle into
four-wheel drive low mode the traction
control disables. Traction control resumes
full operation when you put your vehicle
back into two-wheel drive mode.
System Indicator Lights and
Messages
The stability and traction control
light:
• Temporarily illuminates on engine
start-up.
• Flashes when a driving condition
activates either of the systems.
• Illuminates if a problem occurs in either
of the systems. The stability and traction control
off light temporarily illuminates
on engine start-up and stays on
when you switch the traction control
system off.
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Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202008, Third-Printing- Traction ControlE225465 E225466

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNING: Vehicle modifications
involving braking system, aftermarket
roof racks, suspension, steering system,
tire construction and wheel and tire size
may change the handling characteristics
of your vehicle and may adversely affect
the performance of the electronic
stability control system. In addition,
installing any stereo loudspeakers may
interfere with and adversely affect the
electronic stability control system. Install
any aftermarket stereo loudspeaker as
far as possible from the front center
console, the tunnel, and the front seats
in order to minimize the risk of interfering
with the electronic stability control
sensors. Reducing the effectiveness of
the electronic stability control system
could lead to an increased risk of loss of
vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury and death. WARNING:
Remember that even
advanced technology cannot defy the
laws of physics. It’ s always possible to
lose control of a vehicle due to
inappropriate driver input for the
conditions. Aggressive driving on any
road condition can cause you to lose
control of your vehicle increasing the risk
of personal injury or property damage.
Activation of the electronic stability
control system is an indication that at
least some of the tires have exceeded
their ability to grip the road; this could
reduce the operator ’s ability to control
the vehicle potentially resulting in a loss
of vehicle control, vehicle rollover,
personal injury and death. If your
electronic stability control system
activates, SLOW DOWN.
The system automatically turns on each
time you switch the ignition on. If a fault occurs in either the stability
control or the traction control system, you
may experience the following conditions:
•
The stability and traction control light
illuminates steadily.
• The stability control and traction
control systems do not enhance your
vehicle's ability to maintain traction of
the wheels.
• The Adaptive Steering system (if
equipped) automatically changes the
steering function to a fixed steering
ratio. See
Adjusting the Steering
Wheel (page 81).
If a driving condition activates either the
stability control or the traction control
system you may experience the following
conditions:
• The stability and traction control light
flashes.
• Your vehicle slows down.
• Reduced engine power.
• A vibration in the brake pedal.
• The brake pedal is stiffer than usual.
• If the driving condition is severe and
your foot is not on the brake, the brake
pedal may move as the system applies
higher brake force.
The stability control system has several
features built into it to help you maintain
control of your vehicle:
Electronic Stability Control
The system enhances your vehicle ’s ability
to prevent skids or lateral slides by
applying brakes to one or more of the
wheels individually and, if necessary,
reducing engine power.
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Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202008, Third-Printing- Stability Control

Roll Stability Control
The system enhances your vehicle
’s ability
to prevent rollovers by detecting your
vehicle ’s roll motion and the rate at which
it changes by applying the brakes to one
or more wheels individually.
Traction Control
The system enhances your vehicle ’s ability
to maintain traction of the wheels by
detecting and controlling wheel spin. See
Using Traction Control (page 227). Vehicle without stability control
skidding off its intended route.
A
Vehicle with stability control
maintaining control on a slippery
surface.
B USING STABILITY CONTROL
AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability
Control
™ (RSC®)
The system turns on each time you switch
the ignition on.
You can switch the electronic stability
control and roll stability control portions
of the system off.
When you shift the transmission into
reverse (R) the systems disable. Use the traction and stability
control switch on the instrument
panel to switch the systems off
or on.
You can independently switch off the
traction control portion of the system.
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AdvanceTrac with RSC Features
Traction
control system
Electronic
stabilitycontrol
Roll stability
control
Stability
control light
Button func-
tions
Enabled
Enabled
Enabled
Illuminated
during bulb check
Default at start-
up
Disabled
Enabled 1
Enabled
Illuminated
Button pressed
momentarily
Disabled
Disabled
Disabled
illuminated 3
Button pressed
and held for
more than 5 seconds
Enabled2
Enabled 1
Enabled
Illuminated
Double Press
(Pickup Only)
Enabled
Enabled
Enabled
Not illuminated
Button pressed
again after
deactivation
Disabled
Disabled
Disabled
Illuminated
Transfer case
switched to
4WD Low 4
1 Electronic stability control has reduced sensitivity compared to a fully active system.
2 Traction control has reduced sensitivity compared to a fully active system.
3 Lamp light starts blinking for four seconds after entering the press and hold state.
4 Engaging 4WD Low disables roll stability control, electronic stability control and the
traction control systems.
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Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202008, Third-Printing- Stability Control

WHAT IS TRAIL CONTROL
WARNING: The system does not
control speed in low traction conditions
or extremely steep slopes. The system
is designed to be an aid and does not
relieve you of your responsibility to drive
with due care and attention. Failure to
follow this instruction could result in
personal injury. WARNING:
The system does not
replace the parking brake. When you
leave your vehicle, always apply the
parking brake and shift the transmission
into park (P) for automatic transmission
or first gear for manual transmission.
Trail control lets you focus on steering
during low-speed and off-road use by
controlling your vehicle's acceleration and
braking.
You can use trail control under the
following speeds:
• 20 mph (31 km/h)
in two-wheel or
four-wheel drive high range.
• 10 mph (15 km/h)
in four-wheel drive
low range.
• 5 mph (8 km/h)
in reverse (R).
You may hear a noise from the anti-lock
brake system pump motor when you use
the system. This is normal.
SWITCHING TRAIL CONTROL
ON AND OFF Press the button.
The system switches off if you press the
button again or exceed 42 mph (68 km/h). SETTING THE TRAIL CONTROL
SPEED
Note:
The buttons are located on the
steering wheel.
Drive to your preferred speed. Press button to increase the set
current speed.
Press button to decrease the set
current speed.
Note: The indicator changes color.
You can adjust the set speed in small or
large increments. Press the toggle button
upward or downward once to adjust the
set speed in small increments. Press and
hold the toggle button upward or
downward to adjust the set speed in large
increments.
You can also adjust the set speed by
braking.
Note: Pressing the brake pedal does not
switch off the system.
CANCELING THE SET SPEED Press the button.
TRAIL CONTROL INDICATORS 231
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(If Equipped)E272858 E265298 E272858

Automatic Cancellation
The system is not functional at vehicle
speeds below 12 mph (20 km/h). The
information display indicates low engine
speed, an audible alarm sounds and the
automatic braking releases if the vehicle
drops below this speed.
Automatic cancellation can also occur
when:
•
The tires lose traction.
• You apply the parking brake.
Note: If the engine speed drops too low, an
audible warning sounds and a message
appears in the information display.
Automatic braking releases.
Hilly Condition and Trailer Tow
Usage
You should select a lower gear when the
system is active in situations such as
prolonged downhill driving on steep
grades, for example in mountainous areas.
The system needs additional engine
braking in these situations to reduce the
load on the vehicle ’s regular brake system
to prevent it from overheating.
Note: An audible alarm sounds and the
system shuts down if it applies brakes for
an extended period of time. This allows the
brakes to cool. The system functions
normally again after the brakes cool.
Note: When towing with adaptive cruise
control, switch on Tow/Haul Mode and
Diesel Engine Brake.
Note: Tow/Haul mode increases the time
gaps and allows more distance for braking.
Switching Adaptive Cruise Control
Off Press and release the button
when the system is in standby
mode, or switch the ignition off. Note:
You erase the set speed and gap
setting when you switch the system off.
Detection Issues WARNING: On rare occasions,
detection issues can occur due to the
road infrastructures, for example bridges,
tunnels and safety barriers. In these
cases, the system may brake late or
unexpectedly. At all times, you are
responsible for controlling your vehicle,
supervising the system and intervening,
if required. WARNING:
If the system
malfunctions, have your vehicle checked
as soon as possible.
The radar sensor has a limited field of view.
It may not detect vehicles at all or detect
a vehicle later than expected in some
situations. The lead vehicle graphic does
not illuminate if the system does not
detect a vehicle in front of you.
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(If Equipped)E265297

•
Electronic stability control and traction
control maintains your vehicle control
in adverse conditions or
high-performance driving.
• Electronic throttle control enhances
the powertrain response to your inputs.
• Transmission controls are optimized
with shift schedules tuned to each
terrain.
Using the System
The system tailors your vehicle
configuration for each mode you select.
Column Shifter To change the drive mode setting, press
the drive mode button. The drive mode
selection menu appears in the instrument
cluster and allows you to select through
the available drive modes.
Normal – For everyday driving.
This mode is a perfect balance
of excitement, comfort, and
convenience. WARNING: Do not use tow/haul
when the road surface is slippery. Failure
to follow this instruction could result in
the loss of control of your vehicle. Tow/Haul – For improved
transmission operation when
towing a trailer or a heavy load.
This mode moves upshifts to higher engine
speeds to reduce the frequency of
transmission shifting. This mode also
provides engine braking in all forward
gears, which slows your vehicle and assists
you in controlling your vehicle when
descending a grade. The amount of
downshift braking provided varies based
on the amount you press the brake pedal. Deep Snow/Sand – For snow or
soft, dry sand.
Eco – For efficient driving. This
mode helps deliver maximum
fuel efficiency and helps to
increase driving range. Slippery – For less than ideal
road conditions such as snow or
ice covered roads. Use this mode
for crossing terrain where loose, wet or
slippery material covers a firm surface.
Slippery mode lowers throttle response
and, if equipped with automatic
transmission, optimizes shifting for slippery
surfaces. Rock Crawl – For optimum
rock-climbing ability. Rock crawl
mode prompts you to put your
vehicle in 4x4 Low. Rock Crawl mode
optimizes the throttle and transmission
response to provide you additional control
of your vehicle. See
Using Four-Wheel
Drive (page 213). Some drive modes reduce
traction and stability control
performance and the warning
indicator illuminates in the instrument
cluster.
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Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202008, Third-Printing- Driving AidsE249567 E225310 E246592 E295420 E295413 E295414 E225315 E130458